Better fuel efficiency than previously thought
03-13-09, 08:48 AM
#46
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FYI, at pruischat you can see how much it has cost and when the Prius First Gens have had their battery replaced. Overall it looks like about 20-30 drivers report replacing their 2001-2002 cars at a price of about $3,000-$4,000 with mileage from around 120,000 to 200,000 miles. Here is the link.
http://priuschat.com/forums/generati...l-us-here.html
http://priuschat.com/forums/generati...l-us-here.html
03-13-09, 12:15 PM
#47
I think some of you are missing the point. These batteries will not fail in 8 years or 100000 miles, they just become weaker. They will still work but you will see your gas mileage go lower and lower as the batteries aged. Thats the problem with 10 year old hybrids, any smart buyer will know that the battery pack will need to be replace soon, they cost about $4000 to $5000 to replace. That replacement cost will be deducted from the price of the car, making the Hybrid worth less than a conventional gas engine in the used car market.
I am talking about all hybrids, not just Lexus.
03-15-09, 12:56 PM
#48
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
FYI, at pruischat you can see how much it has cost and when the Prius First Gens have had their battery replaced. Overall it looks like about 20-30 drivers report replacing their 2001-2002 cars at a price of about $3,000-$4,000 with mileage from around 120,000 to 200,000 miles. Here is the link.
http://priuschat.com/forums/generati...l-us-here.html
http://priuschat.com/forums/generati...l-us-here.html
03-15-09, 02:47 PM
#49
Am I correct over time the hybrid's fuel mileage decreases as the battery's efficiency decreases, meaning the other power supply runs more?
I still think, based on the present information, hydrogen will be the big breakthrough we are looking for when the technology is available.
03-15-09, 03:33 PM
#50
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DNC, what I have read in the pruischat message board is that almost all drivers have not noticed any decrease in mileage over time. Several have reported having similar mileage at 150,000 or 200,000 miles. Actually, most have noticed decreased mileage right before their 12v battery goes bad (that's the normal battery all cars have).
There definitely appears to be improvements in the Gen II batteries with even less problems. You can take a look at Consumer Reports and see that the Prius is one of most reliable vehicles (all of the way back to 2002).
I am going to buy a hybrid not because I expect to make a return on my investment (what's the return on investment on a Moon Roof or Leather Seats?). Rather since I keep my cars for about 10 years, it is a good hedge on gas prices and I really like the technology. If the batteries need replaced after the 100,000 warranty, its no different to replacing a transmission which occurs frequently for all cars after 100,000 miles.
There definitely appears to be improvements in the Gen II batteries with even less problems. You can take a look at Consumer Reports and see that the Prius is one of most reliable vehicles (all of the way back to 2002).
I am going to buy a hybrid not because I expect to make a return on my investment (what's the return on investment on a Moon Roof or Leather Seats?). Rather since I keep my cars for about 10 years, it is a good hedge on gas prices and I really like the technology. If the batteries need replaced after the 100,000 warranty, its no different to replacing a transmission which occurs frequently for all cars after 100,000 miles.
03-15-09, 04:18 PM
#52
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
I wonder if the industry has seen any improvements in battery technology since those first generation hybrids?
Am I correct over time the hybrid's fuel mileage decreases as the battery's efficiency decreases, meaning the other power supply runs more?
I still think, based on the present information, hydrogen will be the big breakthrough we are looking for when the technology is available.
Am I correct over time the hybrid's fuel mileage decreases as the battery's efficiency decreases, meaning the other power supply runs more?
I still think, based on the present information, hydrogen will be the big breakthrough we are looking for when the technology is available.
As far as the future is concerned, I think that it will not be long before we see something like I have linked below. Nanotechnology batteries will revolutionize the industry.
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009...ectric-car.php
03-16-09, 05:45 AM
#53
Lexus Test Driver
That Nanotechnology battery is nothing more than a next generation Lithium ion battery. GM will be the 1st to use Lithium ion battery on their volt. It is the latest battery technology, it holds the same charge with a smaller foot print.
03-16-09, 07:44 AM
#54
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
I believe there is more to it than just a Lithium Ion battery. The article that comes with link I have above tries to state that this is BS, but I read a couple months ago that this is very legitimate. This company (Shelby) has the exclusive rights to this technology and car manufacturers will have to go through them to order these very special batteries. Let's hope this is for real.
03-16-09, 01:04 PM
#55
Lexus Test Driver
There is quite a few companies working on this technology already, we should see some cars with these batteries coming onto the market soon.
http://www.electronics.ca/reports/po...thium_Ion.html
http://www.electronics.ca/reports/po...thium_Ion.html
03-16-09, 04:21 PM
#56
Hybridcars.com just tested the RX 450h and these are their mpg results:
http://www.hybridcars.com/news/milea...50h-25633.html
The test was "30 percent highway driving and 70 percent back roads and country routes."
http://www.hybridcars.com/news/milea...50h-25633.html
The Lexus 450h claims government fuel economy of 28 city/27 highway—a healthy jump over the previous model, the RX 400h, which carried a rating of 27 city/24 highway. We applied a moderate driving style, staying within about 10 mph of the speed limit. We did punch it here and there to test acceleration, but nothing crazy.
The results? We easily beat the EPA numbers, achieving 31.6 miles per gallon. The 15 percent improvement in the new model is due to a number of modifications in the Lexus Hybrid Drive system:
The results? We easily beat the EPA numbers, achieving 31.6 miles per gallon. The 15 percent improvement in the new model is due to a number of modifications in the Lexus Hybrid Drive system:
03-16-09, 06:41 PM
#57
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Hybridcars.com just tested the RX 450h and these are their mpg results:
http://www.hybridcars.com/news/milea...50h-25633.html
The test was "30 percent highway driving and 70 percent back roads and country routes."
http://www.hybridcars.com/news/milea...50h-25633.html
The test was "30 percent highway driving and 70 percent back roads and country routes."
. I bet him a box of Cheerios that the RX450h will get at least 30 mpg and he disagrees 
.Also, this review seems 180 degrees different than that idiotic Edmunds review. Did you catch the remarks about acceleration and handling?
Last edited by PatsSoxfan; 03-16-09 at 06:48 PM.
03-16-09, 06:48 PM
#58
03-17-09, 03:44 AM
#59
Lexus Test Driver
03-17-09, 05:29 AM
#60
Lexus Test Driver
What is the point of a forum if all you will read is the positive post and skip the negative ones. You guys might as well start your own Lexus fanboy club and give each other group hugs and keep telling each other how great your Lexus are and pad each others back for buying one.